2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Who has experience with ESPAR Heaters in a 12V Dodge Cummins

[Cappty]

Hi, has anybody experience with the ESPAR Heaters installed in 12V 1997 Dodge Trucks? Are you satisfied with that pre-heating -solution? Does it need a lot of batterie?



I am asking because here in Germany (where the heart of the Espar-Heaters come from) the Guys from Eberspächer (manufacturer) tell me that the kit that's been sold in the US is way too small to heat up well my truck... .



I think about getting a heater system from Canada because of the very complete Installation-Kit and Brackets. You don't get these Parts herer in Germany, because we nearly don't have trucks like this...



Thanks



Manuel Capdevila

 

[David_VT]

I have the kit in my 24V. I don't see any reason why the 12V would be any different but wanted to share that my perspective is from a 24V point of view.



My intention for having the ESPAR was to preheat the engine in rural northern vermont where the electric rates are crazy. I was not looking to preheat the cab.



The Dodge Kit from ESPAR has met my needs, especially with the use of the remote start function.



In an engine preheat mode (i. e. not running the blower in the cab), I have never had electric drain issues or failure to start due to power consumption by the ESPAR.



When I first installed the unit I plugged in the blower and found that it would eventually melt the windows and take the chill off the cab. I did however have power problems and had to jump start my truck a few times because of it.



It seems to me that some of it depended on what setting the heat control was left on, as I suspected that some voltage was being backfed to the A/C electric clutch if I left the unit on defroster. Never proved, just a guess. That relay for the blower eventually died in the ESPAR controller so I pulled the plug from the blower and have used it only as an engine heater since then.



To run the Vehicles blower, the ESPAR control head jumps into the plug behind your glovebox that powers the blower. When the furnace reaches setpoint the blower comes on and thus distributes heated air via the blower.



If I were to desire a solution that would make the cab toasty warm I would probalby go for the bigger unit and introduce some power management into the circuit. For example if you have the blower running and some electronics to kill it when the battery voltage gets below some set value, then you probably won't end of stranded as I did.



Good luck,

Warm is good!

 

[JohnE]

I have a 97 Ram with a 12 valve Cummins and Espar heater. I also got the Ram installation kit.

The Espar system is very good for preheating the Cummins. Running the Espar for 2 hours is comparable to using the block heater all night.

Yes, the system is hard on batteries. You need good batteries with high reserve amperage (RA). You must completely recharge the batteries after using the Espar, too. I learned the hard way and froze then boiled over my undersized replacement batteries.



I would really consider getting a separate Eberspächer or Webasto heater and making your own brackets and wire harness. The cost is significantly less.



diesel on

-john

 

[BRobertson]

I have the Espar in my 2001. I used it down to -42F. I always set the blower onlow and the selector on dash vents.

I have never had a battery problem, but I upgraded to Optima redtops when the truck was new.

I have used the heater thru 2 complete (2hours each) cycles without recharge, and had no problems.

Bob

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I also have the 12V Espar heater in a '94. It was Dodge Ram Kit. I have had ZERO problems. 2 years. I only have set the blower on low. I'm more concerned with getting the engine warm than the cab . The heater will get the engine temp gauge to 140° and hold it there no problem. Have had no battery problems. Have run the 2 hour cycle a couple of times. Usually need only an hour. I have the Optima Red Tops.